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cover letters for diversity internships
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:18 pm
by goosey
are you supposed to mention your background in the cover letter? That seems very inappropriate for a normal application, but in this case, they are looking for diversity and want under-represented minorities--so do I need to tell them which under-represented group I belong to?? If so, how do you go about doing that without sounding totally awkward
Re: cover letters for diversity internships
Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:50 am
by Anonymous User
Most of the diversity fellowships seem to ask not for a coverletter but for a statement that mentions your diversity.
Re: cover letters for diversity internships
Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2011 6:37 am
by Kretzy
goosey wrote:are you supposed to mention your background in the cover letter? That seems very inappropriate for a normal application, but in this case, they are looking for diversity and want under-represented minorities--so do I need to tell them which under-represented group I belong to?? If so, how do you go about doing that without sounding totally awkward
So, I've applied for about 20 of these thus far. 3 callbacks, 1 rejection, and a bunch to still hear from.
You should ABSOLUTELY stress which group you are a part of, and how you've engaged with said group in the recent past. Have you done volunteer work this past year? Worked in a full-time capacity in a nonprofit that engages with your own minority group? Such things are generally important, though not critical (especially if your grades are good).
Basically, emphasize your background, the ways you've engaged with those with similar backgrounds, how you hope to continue similar work, and THEN work on stressing how much you like the firm(s)/internship(s). For most of these diversity positions, they are hoping to hire someone diverse who they like and who will provide them quality work product during the summer. Showing those two things are most important, regardless of school/background.